Lowe Alpine Revolt 35 Backpack | Review - Outdoors Magic

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Lowe Alpine Revolt 35 Backpack | Review

The latest addition to Lowe Alpine's ski mountaineering collection

Why We Chose Lowe Alpine Revolt 35: Supreme carry comfort, considered design, durable

We’re big fans of the packs that Lowe Alpine produce. They’re a consistent feature in our Outdoor 100 buyer’s guides each year.

The brand needs little introduction really, but what you might not be aware of is the fact that alongside their hiking pack range, the team at Lowe Alpine have also been making some quality ski options as well. The now discontinued Descent 35 was a great example of this quality and having been extremely impressed with its past iterations we were excited to get our hands on this new ski offering from the brand, called the Revolt 35.

The EVA back panel is designed to shed snow. Photo: Mike Brindley

Who Is The Revolt 35 For?

Lowe Alpine tend to be good at catering for specific activities. There’s the climbing-specific Halcyon, for instance, and the long-distance focussed Cerro Torre. This, the Revolt 35, is their out-and-out ski mountaineering/touring pack. 

The Revolt series comes in either 25 or 35 litre sizes. The 35-litre version (pictured and reviewed here) is designed for multi-day hut-to-hut ski touring missions while the 25-litre will make for a great single day pack for those travelling on glacial terrain, or for when taking on technical ski descents where an ice axe, crampons, rope, harness and so on are needed to keep you safe.

Build

Stability has been built into this through what Lowe Alpine are calling the ‘TriFlex Carry System’. This system utilises three structural components to ensure the load remains stable on your back, however much your (obviously flawless) skiing technique is shifting things about. It consists of an internal steel frame that reinforces the back (yet still offers flex when needed), while a snow-shedding EVA back panel, along with a padded hip belt, are both there to keep things comfortable.

The front of the pack is made from extremely durable fabirc. Photo: Mike Brindley
Shoulder adjustment lets you dial in the fit. Photo: Mike Brindley
A cushioned hip belt further improves fit. Photo: Mike Brindley

With constant ski edge abrasion in mind, Lowe Alpine have built the Revolt 35 out of a super tough 420D material on the front of the pack. They’ve also aimed to use a low amount of seams and have kept any potentially snaggable features – such as a helmet and ice axe holder – tucked away, again, to bolster the high level of durability.

Features

In terms of ski carry systems, you’ve got the typical A-Frame carry (through our testing it looks like these can take up to around 115mm waisted skis), which features some nicely reinforced fabric on the bottom strap, and a diagonal ski carry that can be stowed away to keep things looking clean. If snowboarding’s your thing, then the Revolt 35 also features a standard vertical snowboard carry.

The avalanche safety equipment compartment sits in front of the main compartment, similar to many other ski packs. It features sleeves to house your probe and shovel handles separately, and plenty of space for your shovel head and a saw. The avalanche compartment has three zips for incredibly easy access. We’re big fans of the long tags on them which make for glove-friendly access.

A-Frame ski carry provides a stable carry that keeps weight close to the body. Photo: Mike Brindley

Tester’s Verdict

Jordan Tiernan, Outdoors Magic staff writer

“I used this pack during the 19/20 ski season, and, although it was cut short before we could get fully stuck into the spring touring season, I still managed to get a few days out with the Revolt 35 in its natural habitat.

“The first thing to note is the impressive carrying comfort of this pack. I usually gravitate towards lightweight (and therefore less cushioned) ski packs, so it was great to feel a little extra load support both while skiing and touring. Carrying skis was comfortable – even with my 112mm powder sticks – especially around the shoulders and hips where Lowe Alpine have padded things out nicely.

“I was also left impressed by the amount of kit I could fit into this pack: full glacier gear (harness, ice screws, 4-5 karabiners, cord, 40m 6mm static rope), crampons, ice axe and all the usual bits and bobs for a day ski touring. If you were to go on a hut-to-hut ski touring mission then you’ll have plenty room for some spare clothes and your sleeping bag liner plus your day’s lunch from the hut. If you’re going to be heading to an unguarded hut then you may start to push the capacity of this pack, particularly if you’re carrying glacier gear.

“An extremely well considered and streamline ski touring option.”

“I always stuff my skins into the avalanche compartment, so I appreciated the waterproof fabric lining this has, saving the main compartment from getting sodden.

“Lowe Alpine have clearly taken their experience from creating the Descent line of packs and designed an extremely well considered and streamline ski touring option – something I’m psyched to see from a British brand.”

“So all in all, I’m a big fan. It simply won’t let you down.”

Lowe Alpine Revolt 35

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